Dimensional Analysis and Group Theory in Astrophysics (PDF)

Dimensional Analysis and Group Theory in Astrophysics describes how dimensional analysis, refined by mathematical regularity hypotheses, can be applied to purely qualitative physical assumptions. The book focuses on the continuous spectral of the stars and the mass-luminosity relationship. The text discusses the technique of dimensional analysis, covering both relativistic phenomena and the stellar systems. The book also explains the fundamental conclusion of dimensional analysis, wherein the unknown functions shall be given certain specified forms. The Wien and Stefan-Boltzmann Laws can be significant in the systematic application of dimensional analysis to the physics of a single star. The text also discusses group-theoretical reduction of ordinary differential equations and the reductions of the differential equations of stellar structure. The structure of a stellar envelope requires three hypotheses: (1) thermo-nuclear reactions as source of energy of stellar; (2) thermo-nuclear reactions occur at the star's core; and (3) that an envelope surrounding the core exists where no radiation is generated. To complete the model of a star, the investigator should have further assumptions such as the pressure is made-up of gas, radiation, or both. The book can prove helpful for astronomers, astro-physicists, cosmologists, and students of general physics.